So, you’ve acquired your writing instrument, and you’re reaching for something to write on. At this moment, not many of us actually spare a thought to the actual type of paper we’re going to write on. Hopefully, as a fountain pen user, you have been made aware of the huge differences you will experience with the many different types of paper products out there. It really is essential if using a fountain pen or indeed any wet writing gel pen or marker, that you use a quality paper suited for the task and more importantly, the type of writing instrument and type of ink you will be using. There is a thing called “The Trinity” or “The Triangle”, especially when related to fountain pen users. Basically, it means the three “ingredients” of rewarding analog writing or scribing. The 3 ingredients are pen/nib, ink and paper. In episode one, we covered the pen/nib part of the trinity in which my chosen writing instrument is the fountain pen. Here in episode two, we’re going to look specifically at the paper you might use, it's types and forms.

The first and easy part is what form of paper you prefer to write on - loose paper, a notepad or a notebook. The next part is where the multitude of choices begin.

Size: Depending where you live in the world, you will find your paper choices sized in millimeters, centimeters, inches or in page sizes such as A4, A5, B5.

Spine Binding/Bound: How is your notebook or notepad bound together ? Spiral bound, glued, sewn etc.

Weight/Thickness: Paper is measured in gsm (grams per square meter). It can range from as low as 50gsm right up to 100gsm or thicker.

Paper Coating: There are different coatings on papers, smooth or textured.

It really can be a minefield of choice when you first get into serious paper options and use. A major recommendation from the get-go is, if you’re going to use anything other than a cheap ballpoint, definitely stay away from copy paper !

Understandably, all these paper options might, at first, seem silly and totally unnecessary, but the important thing to be aware of is the effect and finished result the pen nib and ink will have on the paper you choose to write on. A fountain pen filled with a wet ink and a big juicy nib or that wet writing gel pen used on cheap paper will give you horrendous and totally unsatisfactory results and ruin your day in seconds. Trust me I know…I’ve been there AND got the t-shirt !!! The ink will bleed through that cheap paper and your words will appear feathered (look fuzzy). None of these are a good thing when you’re writing a letter to a loved one or that document you’ve been working so hard on !

Thankfully there are quite a few quality brands out there to help you decide. My preferred paper sizes are A5 and A4 notebooks, and my preferred brands are 1: Apica CD Premium, 2: Clairefontaine and 3: Rhodia. I want to try examples from Midori, Iroful, and Life too. The most popular brands are normally available in lined, dotted and box grid. My preference is lined followed by box grid. I struggle with the dot type simply because my writing is just a little too big for the size of the dot type.

Ah, I hear you say, all these choices and specifications for paper must come at a hefty price. Fear not, the cost of a quality paper doesn’t have to be a big deal either. Good quality A5 notebooks can be found for as low as $9.99 at your local or reputable online independent stationary or pen stores …..and of course there is Amazon. Personally I prefer to buy locally and also have my hand on the actual product to ensure it’s not damaged.

There are, of course, more expensive examples of paper and notebooks/notepads offered by companies such as Montblanc, Levenger, and Smythson. Montblanc have wonderful leather covered notebooks made in Italy, with special editions being released frequently. There’s no better feeling than having a matching Italian leather bound Montblanc A5 notebook to go with your Montblanc Meisterstuck 100 year Anniversary “The Origin” 149 fountain pen or your Montblanc “Writers Edition” Homage to Jane Austen Limited Edition 1813 fountain pen !

In the end, there are plenty of quality papers and notebooks/notepads to choose from, ones that won’t break the bank or give you nightmares when using them. Take a little time to research the different brands and the results you will get with different brands and types of inks. 

I have found that YouTube is a great resource, with channels from “Fountain Pen Therapy”, "Style of Zug", "Samuel Naldi", “Hemingway Jones”, “Figboot On Pens”, “Penultimate Dave” and “Doodlebud” all providing excellent reviews and opinions on fountain pens, papers and inks.

YouTube Links.

Fountain Pen Therapy: FOUNTAIN PEN THERAPY - YouTube

Samuel Naldi at The Style of Zug: Style of Zug - YouTube and Samuel Naldi - YouTube

Hemingway Jones: Hemingway Jones - YouTube

Figboot On Pens: Figboot on Pens - YouTube

Doodlebud: Doodlebud - YouTube

Penultimate Dave: Penultimate Dave - YouTube

Some Notebook/Notepad, Paper & Pen Vendor Links:

Dromgooles, Houston: Dromgoole's Fine Writing Instruments (dromgooles.com)

Montblanc: Montblanc® Official | Luxury Pens, Watches & Leather Goods

Smythson: Luxury Leather Notebooks | Panama Notebook | Smythson

Levenger: Levenger

Pen Boutique, Columbia MD: Fine Pens, ink and stationery store in Maryland,USA Pen Boutique

Goldspot Pens, Aberdeen NJ: Goldspot Pens: Fountain Pens, Inks and Notebooks - Goldspot Pens

Goulet Pens, Richmond VA: The Goulet Pen Company (gouletpens.com)​​​​​

Atlas Stationers (Chicago): Atlas Stationers